Video Magnifiers and Wearable Low Vision

Information on video magnifiers and wearable low vision devices that work well for students with visual impairments.

Video magnifiers (previously called CCTV's) make use of a camera and a screen to display a magnified image. They come in a variety of form factors, listed below. Consider the print size needs (magnification, display size, field of view), which tasks they will perform using the device, and how you would like this technology to fit into their daily school workflow when choosing a video magnifier.

ALl allow you to change contrast, brightness, and colors as well as line markers and to help with tracking while reading.

Video magnifiers should be selected only after viewing in person. Reach out to the California School for the Blind, our local assistive technology vendor, or find a local low vision showroom, low vision clinic, or a conference showroom to test devices.

This section includes:

Desktop Video Magnifiers
Portable Desktop Video Magnifiers
Distance Video Magnifiers
Distance Laptop/Tablet Video Magnifiers
Handheld Video Magnifiers
Wearable Video Magnifiers

Desktop Video Magnifier; Near View only

Desktop video magnifiers typically have larger screens and XY tables. These typically offer the a wide range of magnification powers and are best suited to reading and writing text.

Merlin Elite Pro HD/OCR

Price: $4,640
Manufacturer: Enhanced Vision
Product Page: Merlin Elite Pro HD/OCR
Features:

Near view mode only
XY table
OCR available
Adjustable screen height and pitch
24" screen
Magnification up to 70x
Can use as an external screen to computer and tablets

Merlin Ultra

Price: $3,750 for 22" | $4,045 for 24"
Manufacturer: Enhanced Vision
Product Page: Merlin Ultra
Features:

Near view mode only
XY table
Adjustable screen height and pitch
22" or 24" screen
Magnification up to 73.2x
Computer compatible

Topaz Series

Price: $3,081.75 for Topaz EZ HD Desktop Video Magnifier | $4,045 for Topaz XL HD 24" Desktop Video Magnifier | $3,745 for Topaz XL HD 22" Desktop Video Magnifier | $4,640 for Topaz OCR Desktop Video Magnifier
Manufacturer: Freedon Scientific
Product Page: Topaz Series
Features:

Features vary according to the Device.

Desktop Video Magnifier with Distance Camera

Note that some of these are considered "luggable" having handles, and weights that are feasible for an adult to left and move between desks.

Acrobat HD Ultra

Price: $3,095 for 22" | $3,330 for 24" | $3690 for 27"
Manufacturer: Enhanced Vision
Product Page: Acrobat HD Ultra
Features:

Near, distance, and self viewing mode
Adjustable screen height and pitch
22", 24", or 27" screen screen
57 to 70x magnification, depending on screen size
Can be operated using a remote control for ease of use, especially with orthopedic impairments.

DaVinci Pro HD/OCR

Price: $4,760
Manufacturer: Enhanced Vision
Product Page: DaVinci Pro HD/OCR
Features:

Near, distance, and self viewing mode
OCR available
Adjustable screen height and pitch
24" screen
Magnification up to 77x
Computer compatible
Can be operated using a remote control for ease of use, especially with orthopedic impairments.

Onyx Series

Price: $2,975 for 22" Onyx Deskset HD and $3,210 for 24" | $4,520 for Onyx OCR
Manufacturer: Freedom Scientific
Product Page: Onyx Series
Features:

Near, distance, and self viewing mode
Touchscreen available on OCR enabled model
Adjustable screen height and pitch
22" or 24" screen
Magnification up to 131x
Can be operated using a remote control for ease of use, especially with orthopedic impairments.

Portable Video Magnifiers

Merlin Mini

Price: $3,570 for 15.6" | $3,853.50 for 17.3"
Manufacturer: Enhanced Vision
Product Page: Merlin Mini
Features:

Near, distance, and self viewing modes
Foldable design
5 hour battery

Tablet Based Video Magnifiers

Magnilink iPadOS Series

Magnilink WiFi Cam

Price: Get a quote for the product via the website
Manufacturer: Low Vision International
Product Page: Magnilink WiFi Cam
Features:

iPad based solution
MagniLink Viewer app for iOS
Reading/distance camera with flexible camera arm
Compatible with iPad Pro 11" and 12.9" (iPad not included)
5.5 hour battery
Stand model
Wireless WiFi connection to camera
Internal WiFi allows you to connect to both the camera and the internet
0.8 to 40x magnification
6 lb

Magnilink iTab

Price: Get a quote for the product via the website
Manufacturer: Low Vision International
Product Page: Magnilink iTab
Features:

iPad based solution
MagniLink Viewer app for iOS
Reading/distance camera with flexible camera arm
Compatible with iPad Pro 11" and 12.9" (iPad not included)
5.5 hour battery
Foldable stand similar to other video magnifiers
Wired USB-C connection to camera
0.9 to 50x magnification
Weight of stand and Camera 8.1 lb

Magnilink Tab

Price: Get a quote for the product via the website
Manufacturer: Low Vision International
Product Page: Magnilink Tab
Features:

Microsoft Surface Pro with 13" display
Runs Windows OS for computer like experience
Option to include bluetooth keyboard

Peripheral Video Magnifiers (computer/tablet)

These cameras connect to computers or tablets to provide highly portable and streamlined magnification solutions.

Transformer HD

Price: $3,095 for No OCR | $3,565 for with OCR
Manufacturer: Enhanced Vision
Product Page: Transformer HD
Features:

Near, distance, and self viewing modes
Foldable design, 3.45 lbs
2 hour battery life with bluetooth connection (extended life with USB connection)
OCR optional
Up to 30x magnification
Windows, Mac, and Chrome compatibility
Compatible with computer magnification softwares

Handheld Video Magnifiers